AARON Nell is fully expecting Neil Liddiard to be his player of the season for a third consecutive campaign next term after securing the veteran’s signature.

The 39-year-old has put pen to paper on another contract at the Link Centre, where he started his career back 24 years ago.

Liddiard has been a pivotal member of Nell’s side since returning to Swindon two years ago and he believes that the Swindon Wildcats can only benefit both on and off the ice by his return.

“He is the ultimate professional and he is just a great person to have around,” said Nell.

“He has been my coach’s player of the year for the last two years and I probably expect him to be it next year as well.

“He is a fantastic person and a great example for all the players.

“I watched him play at Lee Richardson’s testimonial and he was blocking shots even there.

“He will do what it takes to win and is a great person, very humble and all he wants is for the club to be successful.

“He is the type of player we want here at the club and I am delighted to have Lids here for next season and I know he is looking forward to getting started.”

Liddiard is the second D-man to be added to Nell’s roster for their National League South campaign, with Stevie Whitfield already committed, and the Link Centre chief is confident that he has a solid base to build from.

“We’re still looking at different guys and with Stevie Whitfield and Lids, they’re two really good players to have and they logged a lot of minutes last season and I expect them to be key players next season as well,” he added.

“It’s about building the right people around them to make sure we are going to be successful.”

Liddiard was the first signing of what is anticipated to be a busy week of recruitment for the Cats as Nell ramps up his preparations for next term.

“We’ve got a few more signings to announce this week and then we have got a big week of contract negotiations with certain players,” he said.

“We had a contract go out at the end of last week and then hopefully we will have a couple more go out this week.

“If the players come off that I am talking to right now, then I’ll be very happy.”